Volunteers are at the heart of our service and play a vital role in helping people find solutions to the problems they face. By volunteering with us, you will have the opportunity to develop valuable skills, gain experience, make a positive impact in your local community, and be part of a supportive and inclusive organisation
Please read this information carefully before completing the online application form.
About Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice provides free, confidential, impartial and independent advice to help people resolve problems and improve their lives. Our aims are:
- To provide the advice people need.
- To improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives.
- We value diversity, promote equality, and challenge discrimination in everything we do.
Volunteering with us
Whether you are looking to build your skills, gain work experience, support your community, or develop a career in advice work, we offer a range of volunteering opportunities.
All volunteers receive training, support, and ongoing development opportunities. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.
Volunteer roles available
Reception & Administration
Reception and administration volunteers are often the first point of contact for our clients. Responsibilities may include:
- Welcoming visitors
- Managing our reception area
- Responding to general enquiries
- Supporting vulnerable clients
- Maintaining records and confidential information
- Providing administrative support to staff and volunteers
Minimum Commitment: Two half days per week for 1 year.
Information Support Assistant
Information Support Assistants work directly with clients by telephone and face-to-face.
Responsibilities include:
- Identifying client issues
- Providing information and guidance
- Signposting to other organisations
- Booking appointments with advisers
- Supporting telephone and email advice services
Minimum Commitment: One full day or two half days per week for 1 year.
Project Support
Project support volunteers assist with specialist projects and service delivery. Opportunities may vary depending on current organisational needs.
Minimum Commitment: Two half days per week for 1 year.
Digital Support
Supports the organisation’s digital presence by creating and scheduling social media content, promoting services and community initiatives, and engaging with online audiences. They will assist in raising awareness of Citizens Advice Harrow’s support services through digital platforms.
Minimum Commitment: One half day per week for 1 year.
Information Support Assistant
Information Support Assistants work directly with clients by telephone and face-to-face. Responsibilities include:
- Identifying client issues
- Providing information and guidance
- Signposting to other organisations
- Booking appointments with advisers
- Supporting telephone and email advice services
Minimum Commitment: One full day or two half days per week for 1 year.
Volunteer Adviser
Volunteer advisers provide more detailed advice to clients on a range of issues.
Responsibilities include:
- Exploring client circumstances in depth
- Researching options and entitlements
- Explaining rights and responsibilities
- Supporting clients to take appropriate action
Training: Volunteer Adviser training follows completion of Information Support Assistant training.
Minimum Commitment: One full day or two half days per week for 1 year.
Research & Campaigns
Research and Campaigns volunteers help us identify trends, gather evidence, and contribute to local and national campaigns that aim to improve policies and services.
Minimum Commitment: One half day per week for 1 year.
Community Interpreter – Arabic, Farsi/Dari, Romanian
Provide interpretation and translation support for clients with limited English proficiency, helping them access advice and services. Assist staff and clients with clear communication during appointments and translate information on an ad hoc basis to support inclusive service delivery.
Minimum Commitment: Ad-hoc for 1 year.
Skills and Experience
We welcome applications from people with a range of life experiences, skills and backgrounds.
You do not need prior advice experience, as comprehensive training and support are provided. However, volunteers should be:
- Good listeners
- Reliable and committed
- Respectful of confidentiality
- Comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds
- Reasonably confident using IT systems and online resources
- We are an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all members of the community.
Training and Support
All volunteers receive training appropriate to their role.
Our learning programmes combine:
- Online learning
- Group sessions
- Practical observation
- Supported client work
- Ongoing coaching and supervision
Volunteers are supported by experienced supervisors and colleagues throughout their journey.
What happens after you apply?
After you submit your application:
Stage 1: Application Review
We will review your application and assess your suitability for available opportunities.
Stage 2: Interview
If shortlisted, you will be invited to attend an interview either online or in person.
Stage 3: References
Successful candidates will be required to provide details of two referees, or consent for us to contact the referees listed in their application. Referees should be able to comment on your suitability based on a professional, academic, employment, or voluntary capacity.
Stage 4: Identity Verification
We will ask for identification documents as part of the onboarding process. Alternative arrangements can be discussed, where necessary.
Stage 5: Volunteer Induction
Successful applicants will receive details about induction, training, and next steps.
Eligibility to Volunteer
If you are not a UK or Irish citizen, you should ensure your immigration status permits volunteering or unpaid work before applying. Further guidance can be found through NCVO and UK Government guidance.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Citizens Advice Harrow is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, respected and valued.
We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during volunteering.
Criminal Record Information
Citizens Advice only requests criminal record information after a conditional offer of volunteering has been made.
Having a criminal record does not automatically prevent someone from volunteering. Any information disclosed will be considered fairly, proportionately and in line with Citizens Advice policies. Some roles may require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Privacy Notice
The information you provide in your application will be used solely for the purpose of recruiting and supporting volunteers.
Your information will:
- Be accessed only by those involved in the recruitment process
- Be stored securely
- Be handled in accordance with data protection legislation
- Be retained only for as long as necessary
You have rights regarding your personal data, including the right to access, correct, restrict or request deletion of your information.
Ready to apply?
Please complete the Volunteer Application Form
We look forward to hearing from you and thank you for considering volunteering with Citizens Advice Harrow.
If you need to contact us, email: volunteer@citizensadviceharrow.org.uk